BEIRUT / Stephanie Rady / Anadolu

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun left Beirut on Saturday heading to Washington, responding to an invitation from his American counterpart Donald Trump.

The presidency said in a statement that Aoun left Beirut on Saturday morning accompanied by his wife Nehmat Aoun, heading to Washington.

The presidency clarified that the visit comes in response to an invitation from US President Trump, noting that a Lebanese-American summit will be held at the White House, without specifying a date.

It stated that Aoun will discuss with US officials the situation in Lebanon, ways to consolidate the ceasefire and restore security and stability to the country, in addition to the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Lebanese areas it occupies, and the extension of state authority over all regions.

On July 8, Aoun said according to a presidency statement at the time that his visit to Washington reflects the unprecedented American interest in Lebanon and its support for the path to reaching a permanent solution to the series of Israeli wars and attacks on Lebanon, and achieving stability in the Middle East region.

Aoun expected at the time that his visit to Washington and his anticipated meeting with his American counterpart would bring positives for Lebanon.

The visit comes amid the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon, despite the 'framework formula' signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv under US sponsorship on June 26, 2026, which stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories, starting with the implementation of a model in two unspecified pilot areas.

The formula did not include a timeline for withdrawal, and linked its completion to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the areas from which Israeli forces withdraw, along with disarming armed groups, in reference to 'Hezbollah'.

Since March 2, 2026, Israel has continued its aggression on Lebanon, resulting in 4,324 deaths and 12,224 injuries, in addition to the displacement of more than one million people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades, and others since the previous war between October 2023 and November 2024.